asked the Minister for Justice if he will state in respect of the Rathfarnham police district, Dublin, the strength of the Garda Síochána in 1960 and now, and the population in the same years; and what steps are being taken to increase the Garda strength in keeping with the substantial and still growing increase in population there.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Rathfarnham (Dublin) Garda Strength.
76.
The strength of the Rathfarnham Garda district in 1960 was 100. It is now 117. The corresponding population figures are 56,960 (1956 census) and 83,065 (1966 census).
The adequacy of the Garda strength in any area is a matter for the professional judgment of experienced Garda officers and an increase in population is only one of the factors to be taken into account. The commissioner has informed me that, having regard to the demands on existing resources, the strength of Rathfarnham district is the maximum that can be provided at the moment but the matter is kept under constant review.